Apple Inc (AAPL)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
AAPL
Apple Inc
$252.62
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.70T
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc generates 52% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $286.27B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 3.0%. AAPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AAPL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.8%
Fair Value
$285.39
Current Price
$252.62
$32.77 discount
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Generating 51.6B in free cash flow
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
15.7% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 1.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AAPL
The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AAPL profiles as a growth stock while COST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AAPL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.0% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Apple Inc
TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Visit Website →Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Stocks
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